A prototype solar tower has been used for several years to generate 50 kW of electricity in Spain. The system uses a large base around a central chimney. Sun shining on the base heats up air beneath it, which flows up the tower through convection, turning turbines inside it. Literally, a human-induced cyclone.
Thermodynamic modelling shows that the device can be scaled up to generate 200 MW, making it a serious contender in the power stakes. Full-scale towers are planned for Australia and Spain, and even China, which plans to have 10% of power generation come from renewable sources by 2010, has invested $8 million in a joint venture with EnviroMission, the Australian company behind the concept.
Comments